In this episode Joe interviews Neil Taylor, a former military serviceman. Neil shares his journey before joining the military, including his experience working in hotels and his desire to join the RAF. He discusses how his time in the hotel industry helped develop his communication skills and ability to work as part of a team. Tune in to learn more about Neil's pre-military experiences and how they shaped his path to success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The military provides valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, and respect that are highly transferable to civilian life.
• Seeking help and support, whether from mentors, coaches, or loved ones, is crucial in navigating challenges and achieving success.
• Doing thorough research and finding the right courses or opportunities is essential for a successful transition to civilian life.
• Maintaining a positive mindset, practicing kindness, and avoiding negativity can go a long way in both personal and professional life.
• The transition from military to civilian life can be emotional and challenging, but with the right support network and mindset, it is possible to thrive in the civilian world.

BEST MOMENTS
"It's extremely valuable. You can transfer your skills to anything, really, if you wanted to."
"You need somebody to look up to confide in… You need to speak to people."
"Just be nice to people. I get more response being nice. Positive thinking, no negativity, and it goes a long way, really."
"Do your homework. Just get the right courses, read all the reviews… Look around and find the right course for you."
"I reflect, I knew straight away that there were issues underlying with the things that I've been exposed to out there. So I sought help straight away, saw my doctor, and he referred me to the CPN, the psychiatric nurses, community psychiatric nurse, and did some treatment with them."

ABOUT THE GUEST
Neil Taylor is a former RAF medic with a wealth of experience in the military and beyond. With a background in hotel management before joining the RAF, Neil's passion for serving his country led him to pursue a career in the armed forces. He has served in various roles, including working in a medical center at RAF Marham and being part of the medical emergency response team in Afghanistan. Neil's dedication to saving lives and his ability to communicate and work well in a team have been instrumental in his success. Now working offshore, Neil continues to utilise his skills and experiences gained from his military career.

ABOUT THE HOST
Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.
After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.
Joe's charity is currently finalising plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

USEFUL LINKS
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram